A method to label heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells

Description:

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) is a group of lipid-anchored proteoglycans, engaged in a variety of key biological functions on cell surface. HSPG-mediated endocytosis of neurotoxic protein aggregates has been linked to aging related neurodegenerative diseases. Labeling HSPG is a promising technique to trace cell profile in cell research, monitor its trafficking in live cells and in tissues. Researchers at the NIDDK have discovered a method in which a positively charged fluorescent protein binds specifically to HSPG on cell surface. This is a promising cost-effective technique that will help scientists to monitor the fate of HSPG in real time on live cell surface as well as to rapidly label the cell boundary-frequently required in cell biology research.